Commanders' Emmanuel Forbes vs. Cardinals' Michael Wilson: Rookie Matchup to Watch?

Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson and Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes could match up together in their NFL debut.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 7, 2023

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders may have to face a rookie quarterback in Clayton Tune on Sunday when playing the Arizona Cardinals, but there's another offensive rookie the team needs to look out for.

Michael Wilson, a third-round rookie receiver out of Stanford, has quickly climbed the depth chart in Arizona and is expected to start opposite Marquise "Hollywood" Brown for the Cardinals to start the season.

"Wilson has been nothing short of impressive since arriving to the desert and his 6-2 frame mixed with route running and sure hands have quickly made him a starter opposite of Brown," All Cardinals publisher Donnie Druin said. "Though young, Wilson has an opportunity to make a big impact after impressing all through the offseason."

Wilson struggled with injuries throughout his collegiate career, playing in just 14 games across the last three seasons. In 2022, Wilson caught 26 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns across six games for Stanford.

There's a chance during the game that Wilson will be covered by rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who is slated to make his NFL debut on Sunday.

Forbes was drafted with the No. 16 overall pick by the Commanders in April's draft and is determined to make an impact early in Washington's secondary.

Forbes has the NCAA record for pick-sixes in a career with six, and will be eager to add to his touchdown total in the pros early.

The Commanders and Cardinals begin the season Sunday at FedEx Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Published Sep 7, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.